Differences between 9v9 to 11v11 Games
A single line in the left-hand margin indicates amendments.
The purpose of this document is to explain the differences between the Laws of the Game in the 9v9 to
11v11 game. This is not a full replacement for the Laws of the Game, but rather a supplement for
Referees. For any aspect of the law not covered by this document, please refer to the current edition
of the FIFA Laws of the Game.
Law 1: The Field of Play
Field Markings:
The field and goal dimensions as outlined below shall be considered as desirable guidelines. Failure to
conform to the recommended field and goal dimensions shall not be the subject of protest. It is
understood and agreed that clubs / teams may be unable to provide the desired fields, equipment, etc.
Flexibility is understood and allowed.
Dimensions:
The field of play must be rectangular. The length of the touch line must be greater than the length of
the goal line. Recommended field dimensions are as follows:
Length
60 m – 75 m
Width
42 m – 55 m
The Goal Area:
Two lines are drawn at right angles to the goal line, 4.5 metres from the inside of each goal post. These
lines extend into the field of play for a distance of 4 metres and are joined by a line parallel with the goal
line. The area bounded by these lines and the goal line is the goal area.
The Penalty Area:
Two lines are drawn at right angles to the goal line, 13 metres from the inside of each goal post. These
lines extend into the field of play for a distance of 13 metres and are joined by a line parallel with the
goal line. The area bounded by these lines and the goal line is the penalty area.
Within each penalty area a penalty mark is made 9 metres from the midpoint between the goalposts and
equidistant to them.
Penalty Arc
An optional arc of a circle with radius 9.15 meters from each penalty mark is drawn outside the penalty
area.
Goals:
The distance between the posts in 5.48m (18ft) and the distance from the lower edge of the crossbar to
the ground is 1.82m (6ft).
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Differences Between 9v9 to 11v11Games - Revised May 28th, 2014
Law 2: The Ball
Size 4 balls or 5 light balls can be used.
Specifications of a ball “size 5 light”:
Weight
350-370g
Circumference
68-70cm
Law 3: Number of Players
The minimum, maximum number of players and roster size for a 9v9 game shall be:
Minimum number of
players
6
Maximum number of
players
9
Maximum Roster Size
16
Substitutions:
Unlimited substitutions may be made throughout the game. All substitutions are only allowed at the
discretion of the Referee and the Referee shall be advised of all substitutions.
The rules of the competition must state in which stoppages (e.g. goal kick, corner kick, throw-in)
substitutions are allowed.
Law 7: Duration of the Match
Periods of play
The length of each half is 35 minutes. The half time interval must not exceed 10 minutes.
Law 16: Goal Kick
Procedure


All opponents must be behind the retreat line and cannot cross the retreat line until the ball:
o is touched by a player of the team taking the goal kick OR,
o leaves the field of play OR,
o goes over the retreat line. (If the goalkeeper chooses to play the ball across the retreat line
prior to the retreat of opposing players)
The ball is in play once it leaves the penalty area.
Retreat Line
When the goalkeeper has the ball at a goal kick or after making a save opposing players shall
"retreat" behind the retreat line. The retreat line shall be the halfway line or a 1/3rd imaginary line on
the field, in accordance with the rules of the competition.
 When a 1/3rd line is used, the marks to indicate the line shall be placed outside the field of play,
at least 2m from the touch line.
 The mark must not pose any danger to players.
 The Referee has the final say on the safety of equipment used to mark the line.
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Differences Between 9v9 to 11v11Games - Revised May 28th, 2014